Measles
Measles Outbreaks Surge as a Once-defeated Virus…
This should not be happening. We basically beat the world's most contagious virus at the turn of the 20th century. But measles outbreaks are once again grabbing headlines across the United States, and…
The Long Tail of Flu Season: Why Influenza Isn 
Just when many people were ready to declare victory over influenza, the virus changed the script...again! In late January, headlines suggested that flu season had peaked and was on the way out. Case c…
Flu Watch #6: The Flu Isn’t Finished and Measl…
On January 22 I issued Flu Watch #5 and Outbreak Update #4. In it I noted that the CDC had reported that cases of influenza were trending downward. Many news reports then suggested that flu season may…
Flu Watch # 5 and Outbreak Update # 4: Mixed Mes…
In our attempt to keep you informed about various winter infections, we rely upon official and unofficial data. To be perfectly frank, the picture is confusing. The report from the CDC for Flu Watch #…
CDC Changes Vaccine Schedule for Youngsters
This week, on January 5, 2026, the CDC issued a new vaccine schedule for babies and children. (This may have been a response to a presidential request issued on December 5, 2025. President Trump appar…
Has CDC Cut Back on Infectious Disease Info?
How well is the CDC communicating about infectious diseases these days? An NPR analysis suggests that this public health agency has cut back on infectious disease info and alerts to health professiona…
The CDC Buried a Measles Forecast That Stressed …
by Patricia Callahan, ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stori…
Will a Disease That Was Eliminated Threaten You?
The highly infectious disease measles was actually declared eliminated in the US back in 2000. Now, 25 years later, the US is experiencing a serious outbreak of measles that has sickened nearly 500 pe…
Show 1377: Tell Me When It’s Over!
This week, we talk with Dr. Paul Offit, author of the new book, Tell Me When It’s Over. Most of us are more than ready to move on from the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll discuss how public health offici…
What Are the Risks and Benefits of MMR for Adult…
Researchers are working to develop an effective, safe vaccine for COVID-19, but we are still months away from that goal. In the meantime, are there any other immunizations that could help? One reader …